After losing his five-year-old son Joey to Dravet syndrome, Michael Gomoll turned unimaginable grief into a mission of hope. He founded Joey's Song, a nonprofit that raises money for pediatric epilepsy research through incredible live music events featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and Grammy-winning artists.

In this heartfelt conversation, Michael shares Joey's story, explains epilepsy in a way anyone can understand, and talks about how music became Joey's greatest connection to the world. He also offers encouragement for families facing a new diagnosis, shares the inspiring growth of Joey's Song, and reminds us that when people are given the opportunity to help, they often do.

In this episode, we discuss:
* Joey's journey with Dravet syndrome
* Understanding epilepsy and seizures
* How Joey's Song began
* The role music played in Joey's life
* Raising over $2 million for epilepsy research
* Encouragement for families facing a diagnosis
* The power of community and hope

To connect with Mike or find out more about Joey's Song, visit https://www.joeyssong.org/Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

We all know someone who seems to have everything together but what if they're quietly carrying the weight of everyone else's emotions?

In this episode, I sit down with life coach Caroline Holke to talk about the hidden struggles so many high-achieving women face. From people-pleasing and perfectionism to overthinking and replaying conversations, Caroline explains why these patterns develop and, more importantly, how we can begin to change them.

Caroline shares her own journey from a successful corporate marketing career to becoming a coach after experiencing firsthand how life-changing coaching can be. She explains how learning to question her own thoughts transformed her relationships, career, and confidence.

We also talk about "relationship regulation": learning to stay steady during conflict, stop walking on eggshells, and let go of the pressure to keep everyone else happy.

If you've ever found yourself lying awake replaying a conversation, worrying about what someone thinks of you, or feeling like you have to be perfect all the time, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone and that real change is possible.

To connect with Caroline, visit https://www.carolineholkecoaching.com/

To receive a free private Befriend Your Fear session, visit this link: https://shorturl.at/5dWNE.

(This is a somatic coaching method that helps clients work with the fear that is keeping them stuck. The kind of fear that no amount of "talking it through," strategic questioning or tools can help. It is available through Aug 13, 2026)

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Laura Van Wormer has spent a lifetime telling stories. From working her way up at Doubleday Publishing to becoming a bestselling novelist, she has seen the publishing world from every angle. In this episode, she shares how a childhood love of storytelling, encouraged by her mother, led to a successful writing career and some unforgettable experiences with legendary authors and publishers.

Laura also opens up about the devastating car accident that nearly ended her writing career, how she found hope again through podcasting, and why she created The Class of '74: a serialized fictional podcast that brings listeners back to the early 1970s. We talk about writing, publishing, creativity, overcoming setbacks, and why it's never too late to tell the story that's been waiting inside you.

Whether you're a writer, a reader, or someone looking for a little inspiration, this conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and encouragement.

To connect with Laura and listen to her podcast, visit https://classof74podcast.com/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Bridget Truxillo, a former Deputy Sheriff, SWAT officer, undercover narcotics detective, and now employment attorney and founder of Lady Law Shield. Bridget shares her remarkable journey from serving on the front lines of law enforcement to advocating for first responders across the country. She opens up about the challenges she faced as the only woman on a SWAT team, what ultimately led her to law school, and why she felt called to continue serving those who protect our communities.

We also talk about the hidden mental and emotional toll that law enforcement officers carry, the warning signs of burnout, and why seeking help should never be seen as a weakness. Bridget offers practical advice for current and future first responders, shares how Lady Law Shield is helping officers navigate workplace challenges, and reminds us why supporting the people who serve others matters now more than ever.

Whether you know someone in law enforcement or simply want a better understanding of the people behind the badge, this conversation is filled with insight, compassion, and hope.

To connect with Bridget, visit https://ladylawshield.com/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Teenage girls today are facing more pressure than ever to fit in, measure up, and find their place in a constantly changing world. This week, I'm joined by Margaret Humphrey, founder of Choose to Live Freely and Dream Freely, to talk about why identity matters and how one caring adult can change the course of a young person's life.

Margaret shares how her own mentors inspired her passion for serving teen girls, the vision behind the first-ever Dream Freely Gathering, and why helping girls become anchored in Christ is more important than ever. We also talk about the role parents, grandparents, and mentors can play in encouraging the next generation with grace, patience, and unconditional love.

To find out more about the Dream Freely Conference, visit https://choosetolivefreely.com/.

To purchase Margaret's book, visit https://a.co/d/08hazaQC

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Sandy Rosenthal never imagined she would become the face of a movement that challenged one of the most powerful government agencies in the country. After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, she found herself asking hard questions, searching for answers, and ultimately founding Levees.org to uncover the truth about why the city flooded. What began with one determined woman and a simple website grew into a nationwide nonprofit that changed the conversation surrounding one of America's greatest disasters.

In this episode, Sandy shares the story behind her advocacy, the lessons she learned about courage, leadership, and perseverance, and why she believes ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference. We also talk about her book, Words Whispered in Water, the Flooded House Museum, what gives her hope today, and why she wants future engineers to learn from past failures so history doesn't repeat itself.

To connect with Sandy, visit levees.org

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast?Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

What does it look like to follow a calling that begins with a simple desire to help others? In this episode, Simone shares how a heart for children and a mission trip to Uganda eventually led her to found Simone's Kids while she was still in college. What started as one small act of faith has grown into a thriving nonprofit that provides education, nutrition, and holistic care for hundreds of children. Along the way, she explains why empowering local leaders and building sustainable programs has always been at the heart of the ministry.

Simone also opens up about living with chronic illness, supporting her husband through medical school and residency, becoming a mother through adoption after infertility, and learning how to lead without losing sight of her faith. She offers practical encouragement for anyone feeling called to make a difference, reminding us that faithfulness often begins with one small step and the courage to keep going, even when the journey is difficult.

To find out more about Simone's Kids, visit https://www.simoneskids.org/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

What does it take to turn a dream into reality, especially when the odds seem stacked against you? In this episode, I sit down with award-winning children's author and writing coach Rosie J. Pova to talk about her incredible journey from immigrating from Bulgaria to becoming a traditionally published children's author. Rosie shares how a lifelong love of words, years of perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning helped her build a successful career inspiring young readers and aspiring writers alike.

We also talk about the importance of reading to children, nurturing creativity at home, the realities of traditional versus self-publishing, and why encouragement can change the course of a child's life. Whether you're a parent, teacher, aspiring author, or someone chasing a dream of your own, Rosie's story is a reminder that persistence, purpose, and believing in yourself can take you farther than you ever imagined.

Matthew Kenslow was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at six years old, but he never allowed a diagnosis to define his future. In this inspiring conversation, Matthew shares what life was like growing up with autism, the challenges he faced socially and academically, and the determination that helped him pursue his dream of becoming an educator. From speech therapy and special education classes to earning his teaching credentials and becoming a beloved substitute teacher, Matthew's story is one of perseverance, purpose, and hope.

We also talk about his books, his YouTube channel, and his mission to help others better understand autism. Matthew offers practical encouragement for parents, educators, and anyone navigating life's obstacles, reminding us that disability does not diminish purpose. His message is simple but powerful: don't give up on who you are meant to be.

You can connect with Matthew on his website: https://matthewkenslow.com/ or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewkenslow722

Twenty years ago, Liz Brewer turned one of the most difficult experiences of her life into a mission that continues to impact families today. After losing her father to Stage 4 lung cancer, she recognized a gap in support for families facing medical crises and created the Foundation Angel Program to connect them with practical help, financial assistance, and compassionate volunteers.